West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), daring the party to target her residence and those of other leaders of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). Speaking at a rally in Kolkata, Banerjee accused the BJP of encouraging violence against leaders of her party following an alleged attack on the residence of state minister Shashi Panja.

“I challenge BJP to attack houses of me, other TMC leaders; we know how to resist,” PTI quoted Banerjee as saying during the rally.

ALSO READ | BJP fields Suvendu Adhikari from Bhawanipur and Nandigram for Bengal Assembly elections

Banerjee also condemned the alleged attack, claiming it was carried out by people backed by the BJP and criticising the timing of the incident, which coincided with a rally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the state.

“BJP should be ashamed for attack on Bengal minister Sashi Panja's house by party-backed anti-socials on day of PM's rally,” Banerjee said.

Clash and arrest after alleged attack

The remarks came after reports that stones were thrown at Panja’s residence in the Girish Park area of Kolkata, triggering tensions in the locality. According to police officials, four people have been arrested in connection with the clash, and raids are underway to trace others allegedly involved in the incident.

ALSO READ | Pre-election boost? Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announces payment of ROPA 2009 DA arrears from March 2026

Earlier in the day, the chief minister joined TMC leaders and supporters in a protest rally against the central government, raising concerns over reports of LPG gas cylinder shortages amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.